We have plans in place to continue supporting our beneficiaries.
Updated: Thursday 29 October 2020
The current situation regarding coronavirus (COVID-19) is impacting all parts of society, including the charity sector. We are determined as an organisation to prioritise the interests of our beneficiaries and staff, while following the latest public health advice from the government.
Please be assured that we have a robust and tested Business Continuity Plan in place. We have invested in remote-working technology ('agile working') which means that all our staff are able to work remotely when needed to. This includes answering calls, including on our 0800 number.
In the light of COVID-19 and Government restrictions brought in on 24 March 2020, we are no longer accepting applications for the following:
This is because it is unlikely to be possible to undertake these activities at this time. These are temporary suspensions and will be reviewed regularly in line with Government advice.
Most of our communications with beneficiaries are by email and phone, but we have also made provision for collecting and distributing post, which includes postal applications.
Grants payments will be made by bank transfer (BACS) as usual, although it may take a little longer to process grants. Cheque payments are possible if bank transfer is not an option.
In the event that our staff levels become compromised, due to illness or inability to work, we will consider how best to prioritise our resources. Our focus will always remain on supporting our beneficiaries.
The 2020 Festival Service at St Paul's Cathedral, which would have been our 366th, and the Festival Dinner afterwards at Merchant Taylors' Hall, have both been cancelled following the closure of St Paul's Cathedral in line with the Government's advice regarding COVID-19.
We will communicate directly with all those who have requested tickets, issue refunds for the Festival Dinner, and communicate more widely through social media and other channels as appropriate.
For Festival queries please email us on festival@clergysupport.org.uk